Milford recycling facility plan faces stiff opposition (videos)

MILFORD -- Mayoral candidates Alderman Bernard F. Joy Jr., R-2, and Alderman Ben Blake, D-5, have found an issue on which they agree.

Joy wrote a resolution slamming a proposal by Recycling Inc. to open at 990 Naugatuck Ave.

Residents said Recycling Inc. is already hauling in prohibited wastes. Residents have complained about truck traffic, noise and odors, and they fear property values will be lowered.

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The aldermen Monday night unanimously approved Joy's resolution, which says the city is "vehemently opposed" to the issuance of an expanded permit by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The aldermen then unanimously approved Blake's amendment to have the city publish on www.ci.milford.ct.us, steps it has taken to inform residents about the issue.

Recycling Inc. has a limited DEP permit to recycle paper, cardboard and metal. The city opposed the issuance of the permit, but a Superior Court judge overruled its decision. Now the company wants to include construction and demolition material.

Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said the city's fight with the owner of the parcel dates to 2007 when it was owned by Associated Carting. He said the former private landfill opened without permits, and was shut down by the city and state.

Recycling Inc. applied to the city in 2009 for an application for a recycling center and the Planning and Zoning Board rejected the proposal. But the company sued, and a Superior Court judge ruled for Recycling Inc.

"State law allows the DEP to trump local zoning laws," Richetelli said.

Richetelli said the city believes the company cannot open because it has not received approvals from various public safety agencies, and Recycling Inc. owners owe the city $140,000 in back taxes. The city has initiated foreclosure proceedings against the company.

The city has also hired attorney David Slossberg of Milford to fight an expanded permit.

David Slossberg's wife, state Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, told the aldermen the proposed recycling center is "wrong for this site," and "wrong for the quality of life for residents in this area."

State Rep. Kim Rose, D-Milford, has led the fight against the recycling center.

"This is important to me, to my neighbors, our city, and state," Rose said.

Caswell Cove resident Dr. Allan Brandt said he was pleased to see everyone united against the proposed recycling center.

"This display of community organization is most enjoyable and it's really wonderful to see," Brandt said.